Trevor succeeds Nina Skorupska CBE who leaves the REA after more than 10 years in post
The Association of Renewable Energy & Clean Technology (the “REA”), which represents around 500 UK companies and other organisations working across the renewable energy and clean tech sectors, has appointed Trevor Hutchings as its new Chief Executive. Trevor will join the REA on July 1st. Trevor succeeds Dr Nina Skorupska CBE who is standing down as the REA’s Chief Executive after more than 10 years.
Trevor’s immediate priority will be to press the incoming Government to put the energy transition and net zero front and centre of its legislative programme. The REA has urged all UK political parties to promote and commit to policies that support sustainable energy growth, low carbon innovation, and the country’s legally binding net zero carbon emissions targets (see the REA’s Manifesto for Government https://www.r-e-a.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/REA_Manifesto_2024.pdf.)
Prior to taking over the chief executive role at the REA, Trevor Hutchings was Partner for Sustainability at the international consulting firm, BIP. His career has been shaped across the public, private and NGO sectors in multiple roles supporting clean energy development, net zero, the environment and climate action.
Trevor has worked at Gemserv, the energy services firm (where he led the firm’s the growth and diversification strategy), within Whitehall departments, and with the European Commission in Brussels leading climate and environment programmes, including policies to support the renewables market in the UK. He has also worked at WWF, the global conservation NGO, where he was Director of Advocacy, focusing on improving public policy and environmental governance.
Trevor is also Chair of the Green Purposes Company set up by the UK Government to safeguard the green mission of the Green Investment Bank, following its 2017 sale to Macquarie, the global infrastructure investor.
Trevor Hutchings said: “I take up my role at the REA as the country goes to the polls, and we reach an inflexion point in the journey to a sustainable, low carbon future.”
“Net zero is within our grasp and the actions taken by the next administration will determine whether we get the job done. The businesses that make up the UK clean energy and technology industries – many of whom are our members – have the innovation, skills and expertise to cement the UK’s position as climate leader.”
“But the next Government must take vital steps in providing the policy and fiscal regimes that encourage, rather than deter, investment. This is crucial in not only addressing the pernicious effects of carbon emissions but also reducing energy bills and providing domestic energy security.”
“And while there is a clear moral imperative to emissions reduction, it is also an enormous opportunity for economic growth and international competitiveness. By 2035, jobs in British renewable energy could reach 210,000, while its contribution to the UK economy could double to £46bn. But there’s still much to be done to ensure that clean & green is at the heart of the country’s industrial growth strategy. We must make sure that UK businesses are not shut out of the low carbon race by policies that fail to compete with the significant investment in clean technology from the US, Europe and China.”
Martin Wright, Chair of the REA, said: “Trevor’s deep-rooted commitment to the environment and sustainability, combined with his career experience, will be invaluable to the REA. The UK’s pathway towards net zero has reached yet another critical moment with a new Government soon to be elected. The REA, under Trevor’s leadership, will do everything to ensure that Government, across every department, delivers on its net zero commitments and that it fosters a business environment that can accelerate the growth of the UK renewable and clean tech sectors.”
Martin Wright added: “We are hugely grateful for Nina’s leadership over the past decade. She strengthened the REA’s voice and influence in government, fostered greater collaboration within the energy industry and during her time as Chief Executive widened the breadth of REA’s membership to more than 500 companies. We wish her well in the next stage of her career.”
Dr Nina Skorupska said: “I am thrilled that Trevor is succeeding me. We have achieved so much in the past decade and under his stewardship, the REA will continue to have a major influence within government and an effective voice for its members. I wish Trevor the very best in the future and thank the REA team, past and present, the REA Board and all of the REA’s members for their friendship and the support given to me over the past decade.”
Following her tenure as REA Chief Executive, Nina will continue to be involved in the energy sector, continuing as an independent advisor to the Electricity System Operator, as it becomes the publicly owned National Energy System Operator, and for the National Grid Electricity Distribution as a member of their independent advisory panel for their DSO business. Nina will retain her non-executive directorship at Royal BAM Group, the construction and energy services company, and she will continue to be a board member for Transport for London (TfL). In 2016, Nina received a CBE for her services to the UK renewable energy sector and for promoting diversity in the energy industry.
For further information/interview requests:
Paul Taylor, Taylor Keogh Communications: [email protected] / 07966 782611